Jenny McCarthy’ Advice

It’s that time again and, just like everyone else, I’ve made my list of resolutions for the new year. For as long as I can remember I’ve had the same three goals on every list I’ve ever made. I start January bound and determined to conquer my goals, and then a couple weeks later I lose my motivation. Before I know it, my bad habits have become a part of my everyday life again. Do you have any tricks or suggestions to help me stick to my goals this year?

— Lisa from Sterling, Ill.

Jenny says:

You’re not alone! I’ve made resolutions doomed for failure — like learning something new. Every year I have dreams about learning a new foreign language or playing a musical instrument. My intentions are there, but I usually get as far as looking for an instructor and that’s it! So don’t feel bad. Some resolutions are difficult to stick with, but no matter how hard they are, they can be accomplished. Here are a few tips to help you succeed in reaching your goals:

• Write your resolution on a piece of paper where you can see it every day. Be specific and have realistic expectations. Instead of saying you want to lose weight, say you want to lose 10 pounds. The clearer you are, the better chance you will have of reaching your goal. Review your resolution constantly so it is fresh in your mind.

• Use a buddy system. Find a friend who has the same goal and work together. I have found being accountable to someone else helps me tremendously.

• Set a start date and a deadline — it’ll help you stay focused. Not every resolution has to start on Jan. 1.

• It’s important to be in the right frame of mind when tackling a difficult task. You have to believe you can do it and that you absolutely have the willpower to achieve your goals.

dear jenny I am a41 year old father of five .Ihave been divorced from my wife of 19 yrs for almost 2years.but it still hurts,i miss my kids and my home.she has changed dramatically,shes not the perfect girl I used to know.It all started when she went to a high school reunion,I trusted her to go alone ,because my grand mother was in town for one day,ever after that I dont know what happend. I guess part of the problem is im an old fashioned italian/irish catholic rugged looking construction worker, who would rather be hanging out with my kidson the weekend.I also have a tough look which some of my kids inherited.part of that is problem because we grew up in tough nieborhoods on the south side and dont trust everyone.I asked you out at your book sighning so you know how tough I look, if you remember.I also did not date to much becuase my exwife I met when I was 17.I am very shy and dont like the chicks in the bar scene.I will soon be returning to working 11 hour days,which will keep my mind off of it but still loneley.Also my ex is going to move my3 school age children to indiana, for better schoolsshe says/closer to her boyfriend I say.My one true happy days are getting my 1st and 3rd grader everyweek for dinner,Its probally not going to happen.p.s watching my son today moms dont let your kids order fish sticks on the lunch menu.All construction workers know they only place to eat fish or chicken is at home.

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